Hmm, Sigma seems to think that there is something wrong with their former Sigma AF 120-300mm 2.8 EX DG APO HSM OS Because there's a new version of this lens - sans the "EX" moniker.

Here are the technical data:Optical constraction (elements/groups): 23/18; same as old# of aperture-blades: 9; same oldsmallest aperture: 22; same oldMinimum focus distance: 1.5-2.5m; same oldlargest magnification: 1:8.1; same oldFilter-thread: 105 mm; same oldSize (diam/length): 124 x 291 mm; the old had 114 x 289 mm, so at least something changed Weight: not known; the old was 2980gNo price and date of availability yet announced. But the predecessor was always at least 2200 EUR (incl. 19% VAT), the list-price was 2999 EUR.Don't expect the new one to become any cheaper, even though the EX-moniker (and the gold-ring!) was dropped...

Hmm, have just had a look at the lens-design/formula and the MTF-charts: They're the SAME.So this looks more like repackaging. If the price of the new lens is not reduced considerably (no "EX", no "gild-ring") I'd say Bah!

My impression is this is a "next generation" branding for them. Maybe EX is going away... the new lenses do seem to have a new cosmetic theme between them. I also noticed the optical design appears identical, so if it wasn't for the IR link earlier I was wondering just what they were doing...

I asked Sigma Germany and they replied with something like "you have to expect changes, the lens is coming with some innovations."Which is exactly saying nothing with regard to the optical formula. It should be available end of february - and perhaps I'll have a look at it.

The programmable features of the new lens may be worth it for some, but the cost may still be a concern. The existing version has taken another price drop near me and is now £1549 (about €1850) from a major independent dealer. That is really amazing considering the amount of physical aperture you're getting.

Yeah, the price-drop makes this lens in its current incarnation quite attractive!use it with a 1.4xTC and you get a stabilized 170-420/4.0 - similar to Nikon's or Canon's own offering with a bigger zoom range.